Involvement in religious programmes helps youths deal with stress, says Hannah

MIRI (July 27): Youth involvement in religious programmes contributes to the moderate and satisfactory level of Malaysia Youths Mental Health Index survey, said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.

She said the multiracial society of Malaysia is an advantage for youths to choose the type of activities or religious classes to attend, to help them de-stress.

“Youths in Malaysia use various platforms to deal with stress. In fact, in the survey which was conducted according to race in Malaysia, the Bumiputera of Sarawak are at the highest level, and this means that they are good in dealing with the problem of stress among youths.

“Such surveys help all of the relevant ministries to carry out intervention programmes. So, in Sarawak you have done something right for your youths to reach a good level in dealing with the pressure,” she said.

Hannah was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Festival of Youth 2024 (FoY 2024) organised by the Youth Section of Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) Sarawak at Miri Civic Center today.

Also present were Miri MP Chiew Choon Man; Telang Usan assemblyman and FoY 2024 advisor Dato Dennis Ngau as well as FoY 2024 organising chairperson Grace Rantai.

Meanwhile, Hannah disclosed that the Orang Aslis are at the lowest level of the index, meaning that they are not good in dealing with stress.

“This is because they (Orang Asli) do not have many platforms or facilities for them to organise various activities.

“Therefore, well done to the organisers here for stepping out of your comfort zone and organising a festival like this for the youths here,” she said.

She hoped that similar festivals can be organised in the future and improve it to include topics that are relevant to the challenges of today’s youth.

At the function, Hannah also announced a RM50,000 for the festival, in support of the efforts and noble initiatives of the organiser.